Anthony Gargiulo grabbed a football for the first time in his CFL career and what does he do with it?

He hands it over to Hamilton Tiger-Cats offensive lineman Jerome Davis.

The Calgary Stampeders rookie defensive end had a monster first game in Red and White, recording a sack, tackle for a loss and a fumble recovery as the Stampeders beat the Ticats 37-9.

But Gargiulo almost didn't know what to do with the ball after falling on a bad exchange between Marwan Hage and Jason Maas.

"The fumble was just being in the right place at the right time," said the 22-year-old Dartmouth product.

"The sack was good coverage and the secondary gave us time. Maas had nowhere to throw and had to scramble.

"We started out a little slow but things got better as the night went on. It went well but hopefully I can come out better next time."

The only negative in Gargiulo's first CFL experience was getting hit by a Ticats offensive lineman on the thigh.

His knee was bandaged up to reduced the swelling yesterday during rundown but Gargiulo pronounced himself OK to start practising when the team returns to the field Wednesday.

The Stamps defence had an overall strong performance against Hamilton, creating three turnovers and scoring once.

All the talk heading into the opener was about the new starting defensive line, which includes Terrence Patrick and Keron Williams, and whether their inexperience would show. Patrick also recorded a sack and the Stamps held the Ticats to only 75 rushing yards.

"I think this game was about this much of how good we can be," said Gargiulo, holding out his fingers about a inch wide.

"We have a lot of potential and haven't realized it yet. This was my first game but Keron and TP have played before but should really develop well. "

ON SOLID FOOTING

There are kicking problems around the CFL but Hamilton and Calgary look to be strong in that area.

Sandro DeAngelis was solid to start his third season, booting a couple from long range (48 and 50 yarders), while punter Burke Dales did well in his three punts.